Six players the NY Jets could target in the first round of the NFL Draft

Sam Darnold, Quincy Enunwa, and Josh McCown react to the news of NY Jets head coach Todd Bowles being fired after yesterday's loss against the Patriots.
Danielle Parhizkaran, NorthJersey

New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks to reporters after the firing of head coach Todd Bowles (not pictured) on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, in Florham Park.(Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com)

But the team still has plenty of other work to do this offseason. And that includes general manager Mike Maccagnan figuring out what he should do with the No. 3 overall pick in April's NFL Draft.

The Jets have a lot of holes, especially on offense. And they have used their first-round pick to select a defensive player in nine of the last 10 drafts -- Sam Darnold last year is the only exception.

But this draft is so heavy with defensive talent at the top that the Jets will might have to make it 10 out of 11 years taking a defensive player in the first round. Here are some players the Jets should target in the draft, including a few in Monday night's National Championship Game.

Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

He's emerged as one of the best edge rushers in college football. He got better every season at Kentucky, and his senior year was absolutely dominant. He finished with 17 sacks, 21.5 tackles for a loss and five forced fumbles.

The former Montclair star has all the tools to continue to make an impact as a pro at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds. And if he consistently gets to the quarterback he could transform the Jets defense overnight.

Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

He probably won't fall to the Jets at No. 3, but if he does they have to take him. And they should be excited about it. The Jets haven’t had a good edge rusher since John Abraham was traded more than a decade ago.

(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Bosa, who missed most of his final season at Ohio State with a core injury, should be fully healthy for the draft. And he could instantly make the Jets’ defense a whole lot more dangerous.

Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

He's one of the top defensive linemen in this year's draft, with the size and explosiveness to translate his game to the professional level. The 6-5, 260-pound edge rusher had his strongest season as a pro as a senior with 11.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles.

He’s viewed as the best cornerback in the draft, and the Jets’ defense certainly needs more talent as we saw at the end of the year. Plus, he’d get along well with safety Jamal Adams who left LSU for the Jets right before Williams arrived.

Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

He may be a reach at No. 3, but the Jets badly need to add talent and depth to their offensive line. Starting tackle Kelvin Beachum will be 30 next season and it would be relatively easy to move on from him ($1.5 million of dead money with an $8 million cap savings) if they believe Williams is an upgrade.

Williams, at 6-5 and 301 pounds, could be a starter from the get-go and perhaps for a long time.

Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama

He's got a little less experience than some of the other candidates on this list. And the Jets don't have a huge for an interior defensive lineman. But Williams showed huge improvement in his second year at Alabama, with eight sacks and 18 tackles for a loss.

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after sacking Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs (not pictured) in the first half during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)(Photo: Getty Images)

At 6-4, 289 pounds, he'd be a load for defenses to handle and free up defensive end Leonard Williams who is constantly being double-teamed.